Plans for new houses at Greenlaw turned down

Plans to build nearly 40 houses at a former poultry farm in Greenlaw have been refused planning permission despite being strongly backed by community councillors.

Birmingham-based Amber Real Estates hoped to build 38 housing units at the derelict site, currently home to two disused chicken sheds.

Scottish Borders Council planning officer Stuart Herkes recommended against granting planning permission as the site is outwith Greenlaw’s development boundary and is not allocated for housing in the council’s current local development plan.

However, Greenlaw and Hume Community Council previously welcomed the plans, and its chairman, Gerry McCann, told the council’s planning and building standards committee on Monday: “We feel that our community deserves to be listened to. I believe we’ve been heard, but I don’t believe that we have been listened to.”

Mid Berwickshire councillor, Donald Moffat agreed, saying: “This site is an eyesore, and we have a situation here where the local community will back this extra housing.

“This will bring younger families into the area.”

Points were also raised about the density of the development as well as potential contamination of land there.

It was also suggested that the land be reserved for business purposes and to aid future employment.

Amber Real Estates Investments will now appeal against the committee’s decision.